Attorney General Suthers Praises Passage Of Below Cost Pricing Bill

04/16/2007

DENVER – Colorado Attorney General John Suthers today praised the passage of House Bill 1208, which became law this afternoon with Governor Bill Ritter’s signature. The measure will allow businesses in Colorado to sell gasoline and other products below cost as part of package promotions, and for other purposes not in violation of antitrust laws.

“This is a good day for Colorado consumers,” said Attorney General Suthers. “This law brings a 70-year old statute in-line with modern market realities. House Bill 1208 opens the market to greater free trade and higher levels of competition, resulting in cheaper gas and other commodities for the citizens of this state.”

HB-1208 overcame a significant challenge after the State Senate amended the bill to preclude smaller counties from gas discounts. The House rejected the Senate amendment, and the original measure later passed both chambers. The Attorney General concluded:

“Now that this bill has become law, the Unfair Practices Act can again serve its intended purpose – to protect competition while, at the same time, prohibiting any intent to monopolize. The bottom line is that this statute will allow Coloradans to benefit fully from competitive forces in the marketplace.”